APPLES by Susan Pataky Apples have been around since ancient times with evidence that sun-dried apples were eaten during the Stone Age.  Ever heard the saying "the apple of my eye", in roman mythology apples were a symbol for love and beauty & were used during marriage ceremonies and courtships. In the 1800s, John Chapman became well-known for planting apple tress in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and beyond, earning him the name "Johnny Appleseed”.  Today, they are one of America's most popular fruits, with each American eating about 65 apples a year. In Chinese medicine apples are the perfect fruit to cool down the system post dog days of summer. It is no coincidence that nature provides these delectables in  Autumn. For they are the cooling fruit. In Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) they are used to strengthen heart, tonify chi, quench thirst, promote body fluids, lubricate lungs, resolves mucus and are utilized for conditions of dry throat, dehydration, indigestion, hypertension, constipation, chronic diarrhea. Western studies have also found that eating at least two apples a week reduces the risk of asthma and type 2 diabetes, and promotes lung health. Plus, eating them raw is a good workout for the mouth, providing a massage for the gums and a gentle cleaning for the teeth and freshens breath. Apples contain a host of nutrients and other healthy compounds that make them an incredibly healthy treat, such as: Powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, protect against breast and colon cancers, prevent kidney stones, fight inflammation and help to lower bad cholesterol while raising the good kind. They contain Pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that is good for cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract. Apples are loaded with vitamin C and vitamin K and are fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. Last week we examined the benefits of eating and buying our food locally. One of the benefits was the availability of varieties. The apple remains a perfect example of what happens when we rely on giant ‘food factories’-- lack of variety. How many apple varieties are seen regularly in our grocery stores?? Now keep this in mind when you read the answer to the question from last weeks column. How Many apple varieties are there: 75, 750, 7500 or 75,000? Drum roll please…the answer is a whopping 7,500 worldwide. The United States grows 2,500 of these, but just 100 of them are grown commercially. Apples are grown in 36 U.S. states, but six states -- Washington, New York, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia -- produce the vast majority. For more “ very cool” apple fun facts go to http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/apples/facts.html Let this be the the final wake-up call for us and the wonderful perfection offered by Mother Nature’s bounty. So, eat locally, eat seasonally and go get yourself an apple or two today. At only 80 calories for a medium-sized apple, why not enjoy. How do ya like them apples ?